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What Do You Know About Fever?

One minute you're hot; the next, you're chilled and your teeth chatter. You've got a fever. See how much you know about fever, what causes it, and the best ways to treat it.

1. Your healthcare provider will consider that you to have a fever if your temperature taken by mouth is:

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If you have a temperature above your normal temperature but below 100.4, it’s called a low-grade fever. A low-grade fever is mild, and most healthcare providers don’t consider it to be of medical importance. Normal body temperature is 98.6, but that can vary by 1 to 2 degrees from person to person. Your normal temperature may also be lower in the early morning and higher in late afternoon. You can find your own normal temperature by taking it several times a day for several days—when you’re not sick.

A. 98.7°F (37°C)B. 99°F (37.2°C)C. 99.5°F (37.5°C)D. 100.4°F (38°C)

2. A child’s body temperature will show as the same number, no matter if it’s measured by mouth, in the armpit, or in the rectum.

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A person’s temperature varies depending on how it’s taken. Check with your child’s healthcare provider to find out what temperature he or she considers a fever. Some providers say that a child is considered to have a fever if his or her temperature is 99.5°F (37.5°C) or higher by mouth, 99°F (37.2°C) or higher in the armpit, or 100.4°F (38°C) or higher in the rectum. If you use a thermometer that's put in the ear (tympanic) or held near the forehead (temporal), ask your provider what temperature means a fever on that device.

A. TrueB. False

3. Infections from viruses or bacteria can cause fever. What else can cause fever?

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Fever is a common symptom of cancer, especially with a cancer that affects the immune system, or a blood cancer such as leukemia or lymphoma. Many people have a fever for a day or two after major surgery, with no sign of infection. This is called “postoperative fever.” And many medicines can cause a fever, such as pain medicines, diuretics, antiseizure medicines, sedatives, and antihistamines. Heatstroke is a life-threatening condition that happens when a person is exposed to high heat. It can happen if an adult or child is in a hot car or outside on a hot day with no shade. Other symptoms include hot skin, lack of sweat, and confusion or loss of consciousness. If a person has heatstroke, call 911. Move the person into shade and spray or shower them with water until help arrives.

A. CancerB. SurgeryC. Some medicinesD. HeatstrokeD. All of the above

4. Some children can have a seizure caused by fever (febrile seizure). These are often harmless, and are most common in children ages:

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A febrile seizure is when a child with a fever loses consciousness and his or her arms and legs shake. A febrile seizure can last a few seconds, a minute or two, or as long as 15 minutes. They happen most often in children ages 6 months to 5 years who have a fever between 100°F (37.8°C) and 102°F (38.9°C). But they can happen with a fever of any level. A febrile seizure is more likely to happen with a temperature that rises quickly. A febrile seizure is most often harmless, and is not a sign of epilepsy. They can run in families. It can be scary if your child has a febrile seizure, but the best thing to do is stay calm and watch your child to help prevent injury. Don’t restrain your child. Instead, make sure he or she is lying safely on the floor or ground, and gently roll your child on his or her side. Don’t put anything in your child’s mouth. Get medical attention right away for any child who has a seizure.

A. Newborn to 6 monthsB. 6 months to 5 years oldC. 6 to 8 years oldD. 11 to 14 years old

5. A baby 6 to 8 weeks old or younger who has a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher should see a doctor right away.

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A fever of this temperature is considered a medical emergency. Take your baby to his or her doctor or to the emergency room right away. Don’t give your child any fever-reducing medicine unless your doctor tells you to do so. These medicines can mask symptoms that your provider wants to see to help with a diagnosis.

If your child is 8 weeks to 3 months old and has a fever of more than 101°F (38.3°C), you should see your doctor within the next several hours. Follow your doctor’s instructions for treating fever or being seen at an emergency room.

If your child has any of these symptoms, seek care for your child right away:

Fever of 104°F (40°C) or higher

Lethargy. This means your child is limp or unresponsive, or won’t make eye contact or interact with you.

Irritableness. This goes beyond fussiness. It means that your child can’t be comforted and cries for extended periods of time.

Stiff neck or pain in the back of the neck along with a high fever. This may mean meningitis. Other symptoms of meningitis include vomiting, headache, and sensitivity to bright lights and loud noises.

A. TrueB. False

6. A person with a fever and chills should dress in warm clothes or stay in bed under lots of warm blankets.

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These things can raise a person’s body temperature by trapping body heat. Lightweight clothing and lightweight bed coverings are best. These allow body heat to escape and help to not raise a person’s temperature. If a person’s body temperature gets too high, it can cause serious problems. In a child, it may cause a febrile seizure. In children and adults, it can cause damage to the brain and other organs.

A. TrueB. False

7. There are no medicines that can reduce a fever. You just have to wait for a fever to go away on its own.

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Acetaminophen and ibuprofen can lower a fever in both children and adults. These medicines won’t make an illness that causes fever to go away, but they can help lessen the discomfort of a fever. Talk with your child’s doctor before giving any medicine. You should never give aspirin to a child.

A. TrueB. False

8. Eating or drinking just before taking your temperature doesn’t affect the reading of an oral thermometer.

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Hot or cold food and drinks can affect the temperature reading in a person’s mouth. You should take your oral temperature at least 20 minutes after you eat or drink anything.

A. TrueB. False

9. A person under age 19 with a fever should never be given aspirin.

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When someone under age 19 with a fever is given aspirin, it can lead to a rare but very serious disease called Reye syndrome. Reye syndrome is a condition that causes pressure in the brain and fat to build up quickly in the liver and other organs. It only follows a viral infection, such a cold, the flu, or chickenpox. Taking aspirin can trigger it. Symptoms include vomiting, lethargy, confusion, convulsions, and loss of consciousness. It can cause coma and even death. Make sure to read all medicine labels to see if they contain aspirin. Look for the words acetylsalicylic acid or salicylate.